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Slater Heelis said in an announcement on its website on 22 October 2026 that it had strengthened its Contentious Probate and Contentious Court of Protection team, drawing together specialist expertise from its existing private client and dispute resolution teams to cover probate, estate and Court of Protection disputes.
Key points
- Slater Heelis has strengthened its Contentious Probate and Contentious Court of Protection team, combining probate administration, probate disputes and Court of Protection work within one group.
- John Gorner has been appointed Head of Contentious Probate.
- Zoe Peeling, Associate Partner and Head of Probate at Slater Heelis, leads the firm’s Probate offering and will work closely with Mr Gorner.
- Scott Salisbury has been appointed as Solicitor, which the firm said improves its ability to handle will and estate disputes and claims.
- The firm said clients will not need to seek out another firm if a dispute arises during estate administration, or if a case concerns the finances of a vulnerable family member subject to Court of Protection oversight.
Why the firm made the change
Slater Heelis said the move reflects a rise in the complexity of probate matters, linked to modern family structures such as blended families and more complex personal and financial arrangements, which it said are producing more inheritance disputes. The firm said disputes often emerge partway through what begins as routine estate administration, and that clients can move between specialists within the same team as a case develops rather than starting again elsewhere.
What those involved said
John Gorner, Head of Contentious Probate at Slater Heelis, said: “Having Zoe leading our Probate team and the contentious probate team working closely together means we can identify potential issues early and ensure clients have access to the right specialist advice when they need it with the two departments working together seamlessly.”
Zoe Peeling, Head of Probate at Slater Heelis, said: “Most importantly, it means our clients have access to the specialist support they need under one roof, whatever challenges their estate may present.”
The firm said few other firms combine non-contentious probate work, probate disputes and Court of Protection litigation within a single integrated team.